Chapter 4

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Author's Point of View

Jungkook arrived in front of Aera's kindergarten five minutes early, as always. He never wanted his little angel to wait, even for a second. Parking his car on the side of the road, he stepped out and leaned against the vehicle, patiently waiting for his daughter.

A few minutes later, a small figure came running towards him, her tiny feet moving as fast as they could. Jungkook's face instantly lit up with a warm smile.

"Mumma!" Aera called out, excitement sparkling in her big eyes as she jumped into his arms.

Jungkook caught her effortlessly, holding her close and placing a loving kiss on her soft cheek.

"I missed you sooooo much, Mumma!" Aera said, wrapping her little arms around his neck.

Jungkook chuckled, his heart swelling with warmth. "I missed you so much too, Bubba."

With a smile, he carried her to the car, carefully placing her in her seat. He made sure her seatbelt was fastened securely before settling into the driver's seat himself.

As he started driving, Aera, who was swinging her tiny legs happily, turned to him with excitement.

"Mumma, today I learned a new poem!" she announced.

Jungkook glanced at her with an affectionate smile. "Oh? Then don't you want to sing it for Mumma?"

“Of course, I will, Mumma!” Aera giggled before proudly reciting the poem, her small hands making adorable gestures with each line.

Jungkook listened attentively, his eyes filled with love as he watched her enthusiasm. Her little voice, her expressions, and the way she animatedly moved her hands made her look even cuter.

By the time she finished the poem, they had already reached home. Jungkook parked the car and turned to face her, clapping his hands.

"Very good, Bubba! You sang so well. Mumma is so proud of you!" he praised.

Aera beamed, her face lighting up. "Thank you, Mumma!"

Then, with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, she added, "Mumma, don't you want to give me a reward?"

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, pretending to think. "Hmm what does my baby want as a reward?" he asked playfully.

Aera grinned. "Mmm… Ice cream!"

Jungkook chuckled. "Okay, we'll go in the evening. But first, let’s go inside and freshen up."

"Okay!" Aera agreed cheerfully.

They went inside, and Jungkook helped Aera freshen up before giving her some snacks. The two then sat together, watching cartoons and laughing at the silly scenes.

—

After spending an hour at Sunshine Café with Yoongi and Taehyung returned to the company.

But today, he didn't feel like staying late at work. He was exhausted from back-to-back meetings and needed some fresh air. The idea of going to the park alone felt like a much-needed escape.

Letting Yoongi know about his early departure, he left the office and drove towards the park.

Upon arrival, he parked his car and walked inside, choosing a quiet bench to sit on. He leaned back, taking in the peaceful atmosphere, the soft rustling of leaves, and the distant laughter of children playing.

—

By evening, Jungkook and Aera were ready for their promised ice cream date.

It took them only a few minutes to reach the small but cozy ice cream stall. Jungkook parked the car a short distance away before lifting Aera in his arms and walking towards the counter.

"Baby, chocolate or strawberry?" he asked.

Aera scrunched up her nose in thought before replying, "Ummm… chocolate!"

Jungkook smiled. "Okay."

He turned to the shopkeeper. "Excuse me."

"Yes, sir. What can I get for you?" the shopkeeper asked politely.

"I'll have one chocolate and one vanilla ice cream."

"Sure, sir. It'll take about five minutes."

Jungkook nodded. "That's fine."

Just as he was about to say something to Aera, he noticed an elderly woman struggling with heavy grocery bags while trying to cross the road. His instincts kicked in immediately—he needed to help.

Kneeling in front of Aera, he gently cupped her tiny hands. "Bubba, stay here, okay? Mumma will be back in two minutes. Don't go anywhere."

Aera nodded with a bright smile. "Okay, Mumma!"

Trusting her to stay put, Jungkook quickly walked over to assist the old lady.

As Aera stood waiting, her gaze wandered towards the park. That’s when she noticed a man sitting alone on a bench.

He had a small frown on his face and was holding one hand with the other as if he was hurt. Her tiny heart immediately filled with concern.

Wanting to help, she quickly opened her little bag and smiled when she found what she was looking for.

First, she checked on Jungkook and saw him still talking to the elderly lady. Then, after a few seconds of thinking, she made up her mind and walked towards the man.

—

Taehyung was still sitting in the park, lost in thought.

He moved his hand to rest it on the side of the bench when-

"Hiss—" he winced in pain.

Looking down, he saw a small scratch on his finger, likely from a rusty nail sticking out from the wood. He held his hand with his other, annoyed at the unexpected injury. Just as he was about to curse under his breath, a sweet voice interrupted him.

"Hello! Can I help you?"

Startled, Taehyung turned his head. His frown immediately disappeared when he saw a little girl standing before him, looking at him with big, innocent eyes.

A soft smile automatically formed on his lips. "Aww, thank you, little girl, but you can't do anything. Don't worry, I’ll go to a store nearby and get a bandaid."

The little girl pouted. "But I can help! I have a bandaid!" she declared proudly.

Taehyung's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Oh, really?"

“Yes! Can I?” she asked eagerly, holding up a small bandaid.

Taehyung chuckled. "Okay then."

The little girl stepped closer, gently holding Taehyung's injured hand. Carefully, she unwrapped the bandaid and placed it over the scratch with delicate fingers.

Taehyung watched her, fascinated. She was so tiny, yet so caring.

"What's your name, sweetheart?" he asked.

"My name is Jeon Aera," she answered with a bright smile.

Taehyung's heart melted. "That's a sweet name for a sweet little girl." Then, with curiosity, he asked, "Do you always carry bandaids with you?"

Aera nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! My Mumma always puts them in my bag. He cares about me a lot."

Taehyung's smile grew softer. "Your Mumma must love you very much."

Aera beamed. "Yes! He's the best!"

Just then, a worried yet angelic voice called out her name.

Aera turned quickly. "I have to go! Mumma must be worried. Bye-bye!" She waved her tiny hand.

Taehyung waved back. "Bye, sweetheart."

As he watched the little girl run off, a strange warmth filled his chest. Aera… such a sweet child.

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